Signs of stress

Advice for identifying the signs and symptoms of stress and where you can find help

If you are suffering from some of the following symptoms it may indicate that you are feeling the effects of stress.

Emotional symptoms

Feeling negative or depressed

Disappointment with yourself

Increased emotional reactions - more tearful or sensitive or aggressive

Loneliness, withdrawn

Loss of motivation, commitment and confidence

Mental

Confusion, indecision

Difficulty to concentrate

Poor memory

Changes from your normal behaviour

Changes in eating habits

Increased smoking, drinking or drug taking 'to cope'

Mood swings effecting your behaviour

Changes in sleep patterns

Twitchy, nervous behaviour

Changes in attendance such as arriving later or taking more time off

Peer Support Line

Please note these are some symptoms of those experiencing stress. However, they may also be indicative of other conditions. If you are concerned about yourself or a colleague, a good first step is to contact the AOP Peer Support Line offering peer-to-peer support by phone for those experiencing a difficult situation, stress or anxiety.

Your GP

It is important to recognise when you or one of your team is suffering from stress. These signs are clues that something is amiss. It could be that the issues are workplace related and can be resolved through discussion and by making some changes there.

However, if you are very worried about yourself or a team member then the best course of action would be to see a GP.

This page contains public sector information published by the Health and Safety Executive and licensed under the Open Government Licence.